The 10-year anniversary of the tragic shooting at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville has generated a number of new stories in recent weeks, including a profile of the UU Trauma Response Ministry. Created by the Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt in response to the September 11 attacks, the ministry has quietly worked with a number of congregations and communities to help people heal after difficult events. (The Tennessean- 9.05.18)

Spotlight on UU practices at start of church year

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, held its annual multigenerational worship service to bless the backpacks of the congregation’s children who were starting school that year. One part of the ritual included giving each child a small pin to wear on their backpack as a reminder of support from their congregation throughout the school year. (WEAU 13 News - 9.2.18)

Retired minister the Rev. Gail Tapscott travels to Tupelo, Mississippi, once a month to lead services at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Tapscott says she was drawn to the faith’s embrace of “glorious uncertainty” when she discovered it at age 12. Ordained in UU ministry at age 53, she still finds much about the faith to be spiritually nourishing. (Daily Journal- 9.1.18)

In The Woodlands, Texas, the Rev. Sarah Prickett of Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church explains the significance of lighting a chalice to begin each worship service: “The communal message is that we are a light for truth, a place to be loved and a place where we help each other.” (Houston Chronicle - 9.4.18)